Wales player ratings vs Japan: Autumn Internationals 2025
Rugby NewsSaturday, 15 November 2025 at 19:34
Wales Player Ratings vs Japan: Steve Tandy’s Side Steal Victory from Eddie Jones with Last-Gasp Kick.
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A miraculous escape if there ever was one. Wales endured a 20-minute red card, a collapsing lineout, and a series of individual mistakes, yet managed to scrape a win thanks to Jarrod Evans’ late penalty following Harry Hockings’ reckless high tackle.
Scroll down for Wales player ratings vs Japan.
WALES: 24
Tries
- D Edwards
- Rees-Zammit
- Tompkins
Conversions
- D Edwards (3)
Penalties
- Evans
JAPAN: 23
Tries
- Ishida
- Makisi
Conversions
- Lee (1)
Penalties
- Lee (3)
Wales player ratings vs Japan
15. Blair Murray – 4
Aerially, it was an afternoon to forget, reminiscent of his last outing against Argentina. This time, however, he was far better. Despite this, he still isn’t reaching the heights he showed in the Six Nations, as some errors hindered his rating.
There was a nervy moment when the fullback fumbled possession, almost allowing the visitors to score. He needs to regain the form he displayed a few months ago, especially with New Zealand coming to the Welsh capital next week.
14. Louis Rees-Zammit – 8
Starting his first Wales game since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Rees-Zammit made his presence felt whenever he received possession or chased a high kick. The raucous Principality Stadium crowd was loud in their support.
This was particularly evident when he crossed for a try in the second half. He offers something unique in attack—an area Wales has lacked since he last started for the national team.
13. Max Llewellyn – 5
Following a relatively underwhelming return to the international stage last time out, the 26-year-old had a similar outing against Los Pumas.
He was more solid defensively but still needs to contribute more in attack. Playing the second half on the wing in place of Josh Adams seemed to allow him to make a slightly greater impact.
12. Ben Thomas – 5
After a reckless yellow card last Sunday against Los Pumas, Thomas appeared motivated to prove himself. He handled the fast pressure on the hosts’ defence well, notably making a crucial tackle on Faulua Makisi.
It was an improved showing from the 26-year-old, but he is still far from being a finished article as an international 12.
11. Josh Adams – 2
In an intriguing back three, Cardiff Rugby’s Adams struggled, unlike Rees-Zammit. His only notable contribution was strong defensive work.
However, he received a lower rating due to a careless and dangerous clearout in the closing moments of the first half, which resulted in a 20-minute red card, shortly after he had kicked the ball out of play.
10. Dan Edwards - 8
Last weekend, the 22-year-old made his first start in the Welsh capital. Responding to questions about his age, he stated, “If you’re good enough to play, you’re old enough.”
He started the contest strongly and scored the hosts' first try. He is clearly growing into the role, with some timely kicks behind the defensive line.
9. Tomos Williams - 7
One of Wales’ standouts once again. Cool, calm, and collected, he maintained his composure throughout the encounter. His clearance kicks relieved pressure, and his quick flat passes helped maintain Wales’ attacking speed in close-range situations.
1. Nicky Smith – 5
With strong competition at loosehead, it was no surprise that the Leicester Tigers player started. He made occasional carries that gained ground and held his own in the scrum. He was replaced early in the second half by Rhys Carre.
1. Nicky Smith – 5
With competition at loosehead incredibly fierce, it came as no surprise that the Leicester Tigers player started. He made occasional carries that gained ground and held his own in the scrum. He was replaced early in the second half by Rhys Carre.
2. Dewi Lake (C) – 6
Now leading his side due to Jac Morgan going off injured last weekend, the hooker, like he did in the sweltering heat of Kobe, led his side back to winning ways.
After a slow start at lineout time, including a dummy throw that was not ideal for the 26-year-old, he grew into the encounter and led his side well, even if he didn’t do anything particularly eye-catching throughout the contest.
3. Archie Griffin – 5
Another player on Steve Tandy’s side, Griffin was playing for a point to prove after being dropped from the starting XV last time out. The tighthead worked tirelessly but had his evening cut short when Kieron Assiratti replaced him on 48 minutes.
4. Dafydd Jenkins – 4
Jenkins needed to offer more in terms of hard-hitting lines to get his side over the gain line, which was the main takeaway from last week’s outing. It was the same story this week. Offering little in attack, he wasn’t getting involved in the hosts’ defense when his side needed him.
He also gave away a penalty immediately after his side regained the lead late in the second half, which was completely unnecessary.
5. Adam Beard – 6
One of Wales’ more experienced players in the starting XV, Beard’s welcome return last weekend was needed, largely due to his sheer size. The big ball-carrying second row made some strong carries and offered hope in attack with the occasional offload.
6. Aaron Wainwright – 5
Wearing the six jersey for the first time since the brutal 68-14 defeat against England, Wainwright didn’t have his best showing. He made some uncharacteristic handling errors in attack when his side was on the front foot and missed a few tackles defensively.
7. Alex Mann – 9
With Morgan absent due to injury, the 23-year-old moved from the blindside to wear the seven jersey, despite having spent most of his rugby career in the six jersey.
He made a notable hit on Seungsin Lee early in the encounter and was a complete nuisance around the breakdown area—arguably his best game for Wales.
8. Olly Cracknell – 9
After becoming Wales’ fifth-oldest player to make his debut last time out, Cracknell started for the very first time against the Brave Blossoms.
The Player of the Match made an immediate impact with a huge carry that put his side a metre from the line, leading to the hosts’ first try. In defence, he was Wales’ standout player, completing 12 tackles just in the first half.
Replacements
- 16. Liam Belcher – 4
- 17. Rhys Carre – 4
- 18. Keiron Assiratti – 5
- 19. Freddie Thomas – 4
- 20. Taine Plumtree – 5
- 21. Kieran Hardy – n/a
- 22. Jarrod Evans – 10
- 23. Nick Tompkins – 6
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